Chorley just edged out in thriller at Lune Road

Chorley and Lancaster may have had little to play for as another Northern League campaign draws to a close, but they produced a thriller at Lune Road.

Chorley were skittled when the last pair at the wicket required just four to win, as Chris Harty was bowled by Iain Burstow to give Lancaster a slender three run win.

It was tough on Chorley, who had bowled and fielded gamely earlier in the day to reduce Lancaster to 108-7.

Jim Lee was the pick of the bowlers as a lively spell rewarded him with four wickets.

The seasoned Brendan Hetherington, assisted by Matt Liver, ensured the home side batted out their overs, though tidy bowling meant they only managed to edge the scoreboard on to 146.

But on a slow wicket which offered the bowlers some help and an even slower outfield, that modest score still looked likely to present a challenge.

So it proved as Chorley threw away a useful start and slipped to 83-7.

As the shadows lengthened, Kieran McCullagh and young Ed Moulton improvised cleverly as they battled hard to revive what had appeared a lost cause.

But it was not quite enough and hopes that Chorley would build on last Monday’s win – the first under interim skipper Ian Dickinson – were dashed.

The 2nd XI beat Lancaster 2nds in emphatic fashion by a nine-wicket margin.

Lancaster posted 160-8 in 45 overs but Chorley cruised to a nine-wicket victory in 34.4 overs, with Lancaster only taking the scalp of Ben Milnes.

Leyland beat Penrith by four wickets in their penultimate game of the season.

Penrith’s opening duo Michael Slack Nicky Burns gave the visitors a great platform.

But David Makinson snared Burns for 55, and Luis Reece captured the wicket of Slack for 67.

With the opening pair gone, Leyland tightened their grip.Makinson sent Ryan Carruthers packing for 0 and Reece trapped Alex Atkinson lbw for six.

Paul Hindmarch steadied the ship by making a solid 46 before Andrew Jacques bagged his wicket.

Greg Hall made 11, Kriss McLean was run out for 0 as Jonathan Osbourne and Tony Threlkeld remained at the crease until the 50th over as Penrith posted 199-7.

Lancashire star Luis Reece ensured Leyland chased down the target by bagging yet another hundred. The youngster finished 106 not out as Leyland stormed to victory with Richardt Frenz also bagging a 50.